A wood fence remains the most popular choice for residential privacy and property boundaries across the United States, and for good reason. It looks natural, offers design flexibility, and costs less than most composite or metal alternatives. The average wood fence cost per foot runs $15 to $35 installed, though that range widens depending on wood species, fence height, terrain, and your local labor market. Understanding where your money goes helps you negotiate better quotes and avoid overpaying.
Cost Per Foot by Wood Species
The species you choose accounts for the biggest price difference in a wood fence project. Here is what to expect for a standard 6-foot-tall privacy fence, materials and labor included.
- Pressure-treated pine: $15 to $25 per linear foot installed. The most budget-friendly option. Modern pressure treatment uses micronized copper azole (MCA) or alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), both rated for ground contact. Lifespan runs 15 to 20 years with regular staining.
- Western red cedar: $20 to $35 per linear foot installed. Naturally resistant to rot and insects without chemical treatment. Weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina if left unstained. Lasts 20 to 25 years in most climates.
- Redwood (construction grade): $30 to $45 per linear foot installed. Premium appearance with a rich reddish-brown color. Naturally decay-resistant heartwood can last 25 to 30 years. Availability varies by region, with prices highest east of the Rockies due to shipping costs.
- Spruce or whitewood: $12 to $20 per linear foot installed. Least expensive but also least durable, lasting 7 to 12 years even with stain. Common in pre-assembled fence panels sold at home centers.
Materials Cost Breakdown
Breaking down a fence into individual components helps you understand contractor quotes and spot inflated pricing.
For a 6-foot-tall cedar privacy fence, materials for a single 8-foot section typically include:
- 2 posts (4x4x8-foot cedar): $15 to $25 each
- 3 rails (2x4x8-foot cedar): $6 to $10 each
- 15 to 17 pickets (1x6x6-foot cedar): $3 to $5 each
- Post caps, screws, and hardware: $5 to $10 per section
- Concrete for post holes (2 bags per post): $5 to $8 per post
Total materials per 8-foot section: $100 to $170 for cedar, or roughly $12.50 to $21.00 per linear foot. Pressure-treated pine drops that to $8 to $14 per linear foot for materials alone. Labor adds $7 to $15 per linear foot depending on your market.
Labor Costs and What Affects Them
Fence installation labor rates vary dramatically by region. Urban areas in the Northeast and West Coast run $10 to $18 per linear foot for labor, while rural Midwest and Southern markets average $7 to $12 per linear foot.
Several factors push labor costs higher. Sloped or hilly terrain requires stepped or racked fence panels, adding 20% to 40% to labor time. Rocky soil that makes post hole digging difficult can add $5 to $15 per post for equipment and extra time. Removal and disposal of an existing fence costs $3 to $5 per linear foot on top of new installation pricing. Long fence runs on flat terrain are the most labor-efficient and will get you the lowest per-foot rates.
Gate Costs
Gates are priced separately from fence panels because they require heavier posts, specialized hardware, and more precise construction. A standard 3.5-to-4-foot-wide walk gate costs $150 to $400 installed, depending on wood species and hardware quality. A double-wide driveway gate (10 to 12 feet total opening) runs $500 to $1,200 installed.
Spring-loaded hinges cost $15 to $30 per pair and keep walk gates self-closing, which is worth the upgrade for pool enclosures or yards with pets. Heavy-duty strap hinges for large gates run $25 to $50 per pair. Budget $30 to $75 for a quality gate latch and handle set that will not rust or seize within the first year.
Fence Height and Style Options
Height directly affects material volume and cost. A 4-foot fence uses roughly 30% less lumber than a 6-foot fence of the same length.
- 4-foot fence: Common for decorative yard borders and front-yard applications. Many municipalities restrict front-yard fences to 4 feet maximum.
- 6-foot fence: The standard for backyard privacy. Requires 8-foot posts set 2 feet in the ground.
- 8-foot fence: Maximum height allowed in most residential zoning codes. Provides complete privacy and wind screening but costs 50% to 70% more than a 6-foot fence due to longer posts and additional pickets.
Style also affects price. A basic dog-ear picket fence is the least expensive design. Board-on-board construction (where pickets overlap from alternating sides) uses 30% more material but eliminates gaps. Shadowbox fences alternate pickets on opposite sides of the rails, allowing airflow while maintaining partial privacy.
How to Save on Your Wood Fence
Get at least three written quotes from licensed fence contractors. Provide each one with the same specifications so you are comparing equal scope. Fall and winter are the slowest seasons for fence builders, and you can often negotiate 10% to 15% lower rates during those months.
Buying materials yourself and hiring labor-only installation saves money only if you have access to contractor pricing at a lumber yard. Home center retail pricing is often comparable to what contractors pay through their wholesale accounts, so the savings may be minimal. Consider pressure-treated pine with a quality semi-transparent stain as an alternative to cedar. The upfront savings of $5 to $10 per linear foot are substantial on a long fence, and properly maintained treated pine looks excellent for 15-plus years.
Permits and Property Line Considerations
Most cities and counties require a permit for fences over 4 feet tall. Permit fees range from $50 to $200 depending on jurisdiction. Before building, confirm your exact property lines with a survey pin check or a professional survey ($300 to $600). Building even 6 inches onto a neighbor’s property can result in a forced removal at your expense.
Many areas have “good neighbor” ordinances requiring the finished side of a fence to face outward. Board-on-board and shadowbox designs look the same from both sides, eliminating this concern. Check your HOA covenants if applicable, as many restrict fence materials, heights, and colors. Getting HOA approval in writing before construction prevents expensive disputes after the fence is already built.
